Essential oil: an overview

Essential oil: an overview

Essential oils are extracted from plants,capturing its scent, flavor, and its “essence.” For centuries they have been used for skin and hair care because of its various moisturizing, protective,and antibacterial qualities. The potential of essential oils have been overlooked due to the growth of the modern skincare industries, but it is slowly regaining the attention of the public, who wants to find additive-free,budget friendly, and effective alternatives.

You could be one of the many who are considering essential oils as the natural alternative, and came to this blog to learn more about essential oils. You’re in the right place! This blog aims to answer the question all about essential oils.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are organic compounds extracted from the bark, flower, fruit, lead, seed or root or a plant. They are usually made through the process of distillation, where they separate the oil and water-based compounds of a plant by streaming, and sometimes through cold pressing. They can be used for aromatherapy, skin and hair care and others.

Common therapeutic uses of essential oil

  • Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil can help get rid of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It can be a less drying organic alternative to benzoyl peroxide to treat acne. This essential oil isn’t just great for spot treatment, it can also help heal rosacea.

  • Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil can be used to relieve pain from headaches, soothe nausea, improve concentration and memory. It is also analgesic so, it can numb and kill pain on the skin.

  • Lavender

Lavender essential oil is the most versatile and effective essential oil out there. It can be a sedative,antispasmodic, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant,antibacterial, anesthetic, immune system booster and antiviral. You can use it to treat minor burns, insomnia, pain relief, and wound care.

  • Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil’s scent has been shown to increase heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate, and boost your immune system. Rosemary essential oil is a stimulant that helps stimulate bodily system while decreasing levels of stress hormone cortisol. You can also use this as a skincare alternative. It is a powerful for increasing mental focus when fatigued.

Joni, Can you tell us More About Essential Oils & Aromatherapy?

“Aromatherapy is the art and science of using the therapeutic properties of aromatic plant extracts known as essential oils to promote health and wellbeing. Aromatherapy is valued for its unique effectiveness and is used by a variety of health care models. These include western medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), subtle energy medicine, naturopathic medicine, the healing arts (such as massage, yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, and body work), holistic medicine (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual), and self-care.”

“Essential oils can be easily incorporated into our daily lives to promote health and well-being. They are a pleasure to use as they tap into our consciousness through our sense of smell.”

What are Some of Your Favorite Ways to Use Essential Oils?

Joni’s Top 3

“Essential oils are basically used in two ways: Application and/or inhalation. Application refers to the essential oil coming in contact with your skin. Inhalation refers to the essential oil being inhaled through your nose. There are many ways to use essential oils. Here are 3 of my favorite.

How to use Essential Oils

Bath

An aromatherapy bath combines the therapeutic effects of both water (hydrotherapy) and essential oils (aromatherapy). Warm baths are helpful for muscle aches and tension, skin conditions, stress, and for simply pampering.

Choose the essential oil you want to use. Lavender is a good choice for general relaxation. Mix 8 drops into 1 teaspoon of Alambika’s Nexus Carrier Oil (preferred) or other carrier oil. Set aside.

Fill the bathtub with warm water and immerse yourself. Add the essential oil mixture. Agitate the water around you to mix well and then relax for 10 to 15 minutes. Breathe in the aroma and gently massage your skin.

Massage

An aromatherapy massage is considered by many to be one of the best and most effective ways of using essential oils. It combines the beneficial effects of both touch and essential oils.

Massage helps relax muscles and improve muscle tone. It stimulates both blood and lymphatic circulation. It releases physical tension, which in turn, relieves stress. It is also believed to strengthen the immune system.

To make an aromatherapy massage oil, choose the essential oil you want to use. Lavender and Geranium are good for general purposes. The dilution strength can vary depending on the essential oil, the purpose of its use, and the sensitivity of your skin. A standard dilution is 2 percent—12 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of your preferred carrier oil. A 1 percent dilution (6 drops in 1 ounce of carrier) might be appropriate if your skin is sensitive.

Direct Inhalation

Put 1 to 3 drops of an essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose. Pause and inhale again. Avoid touching the tissue to your nose or mouth. This method is especially useful for respiratory and sinus conditions, headaches, and transforming moods.